Abhishek Sharma Hits 38-Ball 113 as India Seal Series 3-0 in Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand — In one of the most explosive exhibitions of aggressive strokeplay ever witnessed in international Twenty20 cricket, India opener Abhishek Sharma blasted a sensational 113 runs from just 38 deliveries on Tuesday night at Sky Stadium in Wellington. The left-hander’s whirlwind masterclass propelled India to a commanding six-wicket victory over New Zealand, comfortably sealing an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match bilateral series.

Twenty20 International cricket is a dynamic short format where each side receives up to 20 overs. Needing a formidable target of 199 runs to win, the visiting Indian batting lineup dismantled the chase with breathtaking ease, reaching 200 for four in only 13.2 overs with 40 deliveries remaining unbowled.

• Fixture: India vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I
• Venue: Sky Stadium, Wellington
• Result: India won by 6 wickets (chased 199 in 13.2 overs)
• Key Player: Abhishek Sharma (113 off 38 balls, 35-ball century)
• Series Status: India take an unassailable 3-0 series lead

Historic 133-Run Opening Stand and Powerplay Record

In a tactical shuffle ahead of the chase, 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was elevated up the batting order to partner Abhishek Sharma against the Kiwi pace attack. The youthful combination paid instant dividends as the pair added 133 blistering runs for the opening wicket in only 7.1 overs, completely extinguishing New Zealand’s hopes of defending their score.

Sooryavanshi ignited the fireworks on the very first delivery of the chase, carving Jacob Duffy for a boundary before launching a monster six over midwicket. India took 26 runs from Duffy’s opening over and reached the 100-run milestone inside five overs. During the mandatory six-over powerplay—when fielding captains are restricted to placing only two outfielders beyond the 30-yard inner circle—India amassed an astronomical 118 runs without loss. The total stands as a new world record for the highest six-over powerplay score in Men’s Twenty20 International history.

Abhishek reached his personal half-century in just 15 balls in the fourth over by dispatching fast bowler Kyle Jamieson for consecutive towering sixes, recording the third-fastest fifty ever scored by an Indian batsman in T20I cricket. Although English county recruit Matthew Fisher broke the stand by removing Sooryavanshi for 45 off 19 balls, Abhishek continued his onslaught unabated, surging to a 35-ball century with a crunching cover drive off Jamieson.

Captain Shreyas Iyer and Post-Match Reactions

Speaking to the official broadcasters after collecting the Player of the Match honors, Abhishek reflected on his blistering knock: “The key was pretty simple—Vaibhav and I enjoyed our time in the middle. We knew the boundary dimensions and wind conditions in Wellington, so we backed our natural bat swing.”

India skipper Shreyas Iyer was equally effusive in his praise during the post-match presentation: “In all my years of international cricket, I have never seen a team reach 100 runs within five overs. The fearless intent displayed by both openers took the game away from New Zealand before their spinners could even settle into an over.”

Match Background and Auckland Leg Ahead

Earlier in the evening, India won the toss and elected to field first for the third consecutive match of the tour. Veteran swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar and left-arm spearhead Arshdeep Singh restricted early scoring, with Singh striking early to remove Kiwi keeper Tim Seifert for two. New Zealand recovered thanks to an unbeaten 89 off 52 balls from Daryl Mitchell, who combined with Finn Allen (40) and Bevon Jacobs (39) to push the hosts to 198 for three after scoring 52 runs in their final five overs.

With the five-match series safely clinched at 3-0, both squads will now journey north to Auckland for the fourth Twenty20 International, scheduled for Friday, October 30 at Eden Park.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many balls did Abhishek Sharma take to reach his century?

Abhishek Sharma reached his hundred in just 35 deliveries, completing his innings with 113 runs off 38 balls.

What is the new T20I powerplay world record set by India?

India scored 118 runs for zero wickets in six overs against New Zealand in Wellington, surpassing all previous international powerplay marks.

What was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s contribution in the opening stand?

Opening alongside Abhishek, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi hammered 45 runs off 19 balls as the duo combined for 133 runs in 7.1 overs.

When does the next match of the India tour of New Zealand take place?

The fourth T20I will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, October 30, 2026.